A silver Chevrolet rented in Phoenix was parked near the South Kaibab Trail.
Madison was 26 and worked in marketing administration.
Friends described her as organized and methodical.
Rachel, 23, had recently graduated from college.
The Grand Canyon trip was intended as one final adventure before both women settled more deeply into adult responsibilities.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., they left their vehicle.
Neither signed the visitor log.
For short hikes, that omission was not unusual.
At 10:15 a.m., Madison uploaded a photograph to social media.
It showed the two friends smiling beneath the Arizona sun.
Continue on the next page:
